The NL East is first up in our series of roundups for each division in the week leading to today’s non-waiver trade deadline.
- The Braves‘ key move was to deal Hector Olivera‘s bad contract to San Diego for Matt Kemp and cash. They also acquired minor league infielder Travis Demeritte from Texas for righty Lucas Harrell and lefty Dario Alvarez. They did not, however, deal pitchers Julio Teheran and Jim Johnson.
- The Marlins acquired pitchers Andrew Cashner, Colin Rea and Tayron Guerrero from San Diego for pitchers Jarred Cosart and the injured Carter Capps, plus prospects Josh Naylor and Luis Castillo. Then, however, they sent Rea, who left his Marlins debut due to elbow trouble, back to San Diego in exchange for Castillo.
- The Mets acquired outfielder Jay Bruce from Cincinnati in return for prospects Dilson Herrera and Max Wotell. They also shipped struggling reliever Antonio Bastardo to Pittsburgh for their own former starter Jon Niese. Finally, they signed veteran outfielder Justin Ruggiano to a big-league deal.
- The Phillies had a quiet trade deadline, as GM Matt Klentak explained to reporters, including MLBTR’s Jason Martinez. Jeremy Hellickson, David Hernandez and Carlos Ruiz all remained with Philadelphia. The Phillies did make one small transaction, sending Rule 5 pick Daniel Stumpf back to the Royals.
- The Nationals spent the week connected to a variety of big names, and they finally landed one of them — their key move was to acquire closer Mark Melancon from Pittsburgh in return for reliever Felipe Rivero and lefty prospect Taylor Hearn.
Always exciting NL East. Hope Bruce pays off for the Mets.
I really don’t understand why people are surprised that the Braves didn’t trade Teheran. It’s been known for a long time that they wouldn’t unless some team was willing to meet their over the moon asking price.
Honestly just think most fans think Hart/Coppy are full of it. The drama of it all was in the way of good baseball sense for some.
Not to say that Julio was a strong asset either way, but doubt a GM ponied up enough to pry him away anyway.
Nice move for the braves. We now have a decent outfield with Kemp, Enciarte, Smith, and Markakis
The Nats took themselves out of contention by not acquiring a set-up guy to replace Rivero-and they could have used another decent bat, offense too inconsistent . Oh well maybe next year.
Papelbon replaces Rivero as the set up guy.. That shouldn’t be too hard to understand
I’d prefer they stick with Kelly in the 8th. Gonna be interesting to see how they handle it though.
I think the Nationals made one of the most astute moves in baseball. They acquired a closer that is only marginally inferior to Chapman for a fraction of the cost. You can say the offense is to inconstant if you want but they have been ontop of the NL East almost since the start of the year.
I agree, Bruce gives Mets one more bat and that may challenge the Nationals, but your assessment of Melancon is 100% correct in my eyes.
Man I wish we woulda made that deal with Pittsburgh. McGuire & Ramirez woulda looked good in Brave uniforms and Liriano coulda been a veteran to plug in the rotation next year snd kept the kids innings down. I wouldn’t have minded giving up Blair he is better than Hutchinson. This is gonna bother me for awhile. We need a catcher. Here comes Wieters.
I said the same thing on twitter.
Wieters is having a career worse year. He’s not worth as much as he is gonna want.. I’d rather go after McCann or Ramos.
Stay off Ramos
McCann’t
Not saying Wieters is the better than McCann or Ramos but he was an All Star this year so he is not worst player we could sign as an FA. A homecoming for McCann would be nice though……and productive.
While Wieters has the accolades and Ramos has had the career year this season, I really doubt that the Braves will be the top bidder on either one this off season.
I think it is much more likely that the Braves try to sign a buy low candidate like Jason Castro to team up with Tyler Flowers behind the plate. Castro over all has been a good quality receiver even if he hasn’t hit a ton. Castro does however have a 90 wRC+ while league average for catchers is only 85wRC+. (so Castro is slightly above average for catchers hitting wise too).
Castro isn’t a sexy free agent signing, but it probably one the Braves do this off season.
Surprised that Johnson and Markakis are still Braves. I predict Johnson will go within the next few weeks (although his stock will probably drop ) and NM most likely stays until the offseason. Also, Hunter Cervanka may still be traded in August maybe in a package deal with JJ or one of our position players to add to another teams bench for an above average prospect.
I’m hoping Jim Johnson stays hot and someway still slides through waivers. The the Braves can trade him to the Jays and steal (I mean acquire) Reese McGuire.
Just dreaming lol.
Hell even getting claimed is fine.
One can always dream.
I just don’t understand the Blue Jays and Pirates trade sending RMcG to Toronto.
Yeah, that is one thing that hurts about the trade deadline; seeing the prospects we would love to have going elsewhere.
Johnson and others from Braves could be moved this month.